The inside scoop on food in Los Angeles

As the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to spread, Louisiana's $2.5-billion commercial fishing industry, which provides much of the country's domestic shrimp and oysters, is bracing for a virtual shutdown that could trigger shortages and price hikes for consumers nationwide.

As an armada of fishing vessels are dodging the oil-covered waters, seafood distributors, restaurants and grocery stores across the nation are on edge as well.

In Southern California, supermarket chains such as Albertsons and Ralphs said they were closely monitoring the situation and were concerned about how serious the problem might become. A spokeswoman for Whole Foods Market said it was prepared to find alternatives — just in case. Read more here.

Photo: Jeff Howard, 43, fishes for shrimp and crab in the waters off Delacroix, La., in St. Bernard Parish on April 29, 2010, ahead of an impending oil slick. "Today might be the last day you can go," he said. "You might not be able to go for another year. Who knows?" Credit: Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times